FOR someone like Kid Rock, whose most interesting news to date was a public scuffle with Tommy Lee over their ex, Pamela Anderson, at the MTV Video Music Awards, it may come as a surprise to hear him speak highly of his competition in the music biz. But indeed, the Detroit rocker, now 36, has a soft spot for those who challenge him: “The Foo Fighters are real good musicians with awesome melodies and lyrics,” says Rock, of the band whose single, “The Pretender,” currently beats his “So Hott” by one spot on Billboard’s Hot Mainstream Rock chart. (See “I’m No. 1″ on Page 56) “Plus, Dave Grohl is a completely nice guy. Some people can look at me and be like “what a d—,” but no one will ever say anything like that about him or anyone in that band.”

Call it a character turnaround for Rock, whose first studio album in four years, “Rock N Roll Jesus,” hits stores Tuesday. He’s even leaving his hip-hop swagger behind for a more classic rock and country soul vibe, enabling his voice, and maybe even his good-guy rep, to flourish. Well, maybe.

Why’d you roll with such a provocative album title, “Rock n roll jesus”?

It actually started as a joke. A friend kept trying to get me to come out on her boat for a party, telling me all these models and celebs were going to be there. I was like, I don’t care if Jesus is on there, I’m not coming. And then she said “You’re rock ‘n’ roll Jesus.” I’m also not a fan of political correctness, and I know the title will anger a few people.

Who topsthe list of artists you want to collaborate with?

Fats Domino. He was supposed to play piano on the track “New Orleans,” but the timing was all off. I love him and I will make sure I work with him soon. As far as anyone else, I mean, I really don’t have a specific person in mind, but I’m always open-minded if someone should reach out.

We know you love rock, hip-hop and country music. What do you hate?

Techno. And the worst part about that is the only places hot girls hang out is in clubs that play that shit. I’m like, why can’t these girls listen to good music? I know clubs are playing mash-ups these days, so I made one, “All Summer Long,” which combines “Werewolves of London” and “Sweet Home Alabama” with my lyrics. Hopefully, clubs will start playing that.

So I guess you won’t be working with Tommy Lee any time soon. but maybe you could brawl in “Celebrity DeathMatch” on mtv or something.

There’s no reason to watch that channel anymore. They don’t play any music. I mean, who hell wants to watch some 16-year-old brat have a birthday party?

You worked with Uncle kracker again, but sadly Joe C. is gone. Think about him much?

All the time. I miss him a lot. Every time I have a new experience I think about what it would be like if he were there with me. Like recently, I visited the White House. Can you imagine how much fun that would’ve been? We had so much fun just f—ing with people. We were like Bonnie and Clyde, always making trouble.

We hear you’re a bitofa sports fanatic.

I’m a fan of all of the teams from Detroit, especially the Red Wings and Tigers. It’s funny because I have a bunch of friends on the N.Y. Yankees, but when they play the Tigers I root against them. When I get a chance to relax on Sundays during football season, I enjoy just watching the Lions.

PICKING MY BRAIN

“I’ve been watching CMT for a long time … at least they play good music.”

Vodka

“I’m getting a little bit older and I can’t have a beer gut anymore. I had to cut back on the beer and whiskey.

Vodka became a necessity.”

Gibson L5 and a 1980 Gibson Flying V

“Love them for three reasons: They sound great, they look great and they were free.”

Nascar

“Going to an event is an experience unlike any other in sports. Watching the cars come speeding around the track is crazy. I’ll be a fan forever.”

“The Colbert Report”

“That guy is such a smartass, but he pulls it off. You can see how left-wing he really is, but he pretends to be right-wing. It’s hysterical.”

“Knocked Up”

“I took my son to see that recently. When I go to the movies I wanna have fun. If you ask Beck about films, he’d tell you about some s—that would make you think he’s a genius. Me, I just wanna be entertained. I don’t wanna see some dramatic Hilary Swank movie that will make me feel like s— afterwards.”